Deanna's childhood was truly unfortunate.
According to the information Lance had previously gathered, Deanna was often disliked by Garrett simply because she was a girl.
Although Olivia loved Deanna, she was a career-driven woman who spent most of her energy on the company, leading to some neglect of Deanna.
Deanna tried to gain her mother's attention through academic excellence, never dropping from the top of her class and frequently skipping grades.
As a result, her childhood was spent in relentless studying, missing out on much joy.
On the way back, after hearing Lance recount these details, Deanna sighed with a complex expression, "Garrett going to prison is too lenient for him."
She had been too soft-hearted before.
Such a scum who killed his wife and harmed his daughter should live a life worse than death!
Lance saw the malice in Deanna's eyes and understood her thoughts. He chuckled lightly, "Don't worry, his days in prison won't be easy."
Deanna was momentarily stunned but then smiled.
Of course, Lance wouldn't let anyone who had bullied her off easily.
Even if that person was her father.
"Thank you."
Deanna smiled sweetly, hugged Lance's waist, and then propped herself up to plant a light kiss on his lips. "A reward for you."
Lance raised an eyebrow at her playful smile and pretended to be dissatisfied, "Is that all the reward I get?"
"What, not enough?"
Deanna looked up at him.
Seeing Deanna's charming face in front of him, Lance, who had been abstinent for nearly three months, couldn't help but swallow, his voice hoarse, "Indeed, it's not enough."
With that, he cupped the back of Deanna's head with one hand and lowered his head to kiss her soft lips.
Their lips met.
Deanna's eyes widened slightly at the handsome man before her. Then a smile flickered in her eyes as she closed them and wrapped her arms around Lance's neck, responding actively.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the car turned sweet and intimate.
Xavier, being perceptive, had already raised the partition.
It was unclear how much time had passed before Deanna and Lance finally parted, both panting heavily.
Deanna leaned against Lance's chest, her eyes dreamy as she listened to his strong heartbeat, feeling incredibly sweet inside.
Lance held her tightly, using great effort to suppress his body's natural reactions. In a low voice, he asked, "How much longer until the baby is three months old?"
Hearing this, Deanna understood Lance's underlying meaning.
"Half a month more. Don't worry; it will pass quickly."
She said this, but the mischievous glint in her eyes was unmistakable.
Lance noticed it too and deliberately narrowed his eyes as he approached her dangerously, "Is it fun to tease me? I won't have you now but you'll repay me double later."
Deanna wasn't afraid at all. She puffed out her belly proudly and said, "I have a baby in my belly. Think twice before doing anything to me."
Seeing Deanna laughing so freely, Lance's eyes filled with helplessness and affection.
After some more playful banter, they felt the car come to a stop.
Recognizing the familiar surroundings outside the window, Lance extended his hand to Deanna and said softly, "We're home. Let's get out."
Deanna nodded, placed her hand in Lance's palm, and got out of the car with him.
Just as they stood still, a deep voice came from behind them.
"Looks like I arrived just in time; you're both back."
As he spoke, Gunner closed the car door and walked towards Lance and Deanna.
Seeing him, both Deanna and Lance greeted him.
"Master."
"Mr. Martinez."
Gunner nodded at them and then noticed the lingering blush on Deanna's face.
Being experienced, he immediately understood what it signified and shot Lance a disapproving look. He warned, "Although Deanna looks fine now and there's no issue with the baby, her body has been through trauma. You should be more restrained, especially since the baby isn't three months old yet."
Clearly, Gunner had misunderstood.
Both Deanna and Lance understood his insinuation and reacted differently.
One blushed deeply out of embarrassment while the other remained calm as if nothing had been said about him.
"Master, we didn't do anything inappropriate," Deanna couldn't help but defend herself.
Gunner glanced at her and softened his tone slightly, "I know you wouldn't act recklessly, but I doubt he would."
Lance felt another wave of helplessness wash over him.
"Mr. Martinez, there's no need for insinuations. I wouldn't risk Deanna and the baby for my selfish desires."
"I hope so!"
Despite his words, Gunner still looked displeased with Lance.
This was probably the classic case of a father-in-law never being satisfied with his son-in-law.
Sensing the tension between them, Deanna quickly changed the topic by asking, "Master, did you come here to see me? Is there something important?"